Plumbing Tips & Advice (18)

Knowing how old your water heater is can be helpful when planning for replacement and knowing when you're better off replacing the unit instead of putting money towards repairs. In most cases, if a water heater is more than 10 years old you should consider replacement. A tankless, or on-demand, water heater will last around 20 years. As water heaters enter their second decade the risk of developing leaks increases, which can potentially cause damage to your home.

You can find the age of your water heater by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker near the top of the water heater. The serial number contains the date that the water heater was manufactured. It will not be in a standard date formt, but will have a date code such as "G062052658".

G is for the month and G is the seventh letter in the alphabet, so it represents the seventh month, July. Next, the first two digits of the serial number are 06, which represents the year, 2006. So this water heater was made in July 2006. Each manufacturer uses a similar date code, but they may vary – so check the manufacturer’s website to learn more.

Need help determining the age of your water heater? Call MR Plumbing. We can help answer all your plumbing and hot water questions.

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Tankless water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, are hi-tech appliances that heat water only when it's needed, resulting in less wasted energy and a nearly continuous supply of hot water. When properly maintained they will last around 20 years. They have been around for over a decade now and have proven to be a reliable and an energy efficient alternative to traditional tank-style water heaters. When problems do arise is often a result of improper installation or a lack of maintenance.

Here are some of the most common problems that can occur with tankless water heaters.

Mineral Build-up

Hard water can lead to scaly calcium buildup which can increase the maintenance requirements for the unit. The unit should be flushed with vinegar following the manufacturer's instructions to prevent minerals from reducing performance or potentially damaging the unit. If your home has excessively hard water, it's recommended that a water softener be installed to prevent excessive calcium deposits form accumulating in the water lines.

Corrosion

While you're more likely to experience corrosion problems with a conventional tank-style water heater, tankless water heaters can also be damaged by corrosion if condensation drips onto on the gas burner and causes problems with the gas supply.

High Demand

Before installing a new tankless water heater your plumber will ask about your water usage to calculate which unit will best serve your hot water needs. If you exceed the capacity of the unit by showering, doing laundry and other water-intensive tasks simultaneously, the unit may shut down to prevent damage from over heating. If you use a lot of hot water at the same time in different areas of your home, you may be better off going with a larger tank-style water heater.

Improper Ventilation

When a tankless water heater is installed it's essential that the unit have enough ventilation to allow excess heat to escape, and in the case of gas units, for exhaust gases to vent to the outside of the home. If not properly vented, the unit may overheat and automatically shut down as a safety precaution.

If you're experiencing problems with your tankless water heater, give MR Plumbing a call. We can help with all your plumbing and hot water needs.

Your kitchen drain is designed to handle a high volume of waste and keep flowing. However, there are limits to what kind of waste it can handle and clogs can form quickly if the disposal is overloaded with the wrong kind of waste. Thankfully, keeping your kitchen drain flowing smoothly is simple if you follow a few rules.

1. Keep grease out of drains. Grease and fat are among the worse things you can pour down a drain. You may get away with pouring grease for a while without noticing any problems, but over time grease can accumulate inside the drain and slow the flow of water. grease can also cause food waste to cling to the inside of the drain, making a sticky mess. A safe way to dispose of oil and grease is to pour it into an empty plastic container that can be sealed and thrown into the trash. Thicker grease can be wiped off pans with a paper towel and thrown into the garbage.

2. Don't overload the disposal. While garbage disposals are a great convenience, it's important to to rely too heavily on the disposal to get rid of all your food waste. Scrape food waste into the garbage prior to rinsing dishes into the sink.

3. Starchy foods are bad for drains. Food that become sticky and expand when wet, such as pasta, patatos, rice, etc, can cling to the inside of pipes. and create stubborn clogs. Also avoid putting egg shells and banana peels down the disposal.

4. Maintain your drains . When using your disposal always run plenty of water , and let the water run for 30 seconds after turning off the disposal. You can also keep your drains in good condition by spreading a half a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. After the solution stops fizzing, pour a few cups of boiling water.

If you notice that your drains are emptying slowly, give MR Plumbing a call, we can help clear the toughest clogs in your kitchen and all around the home.

Over time the pipes inside your home can begin to accumulate limescale, grease and other debris that can harden and gradually obstruct the flow of waste water, eventually causing drains to empty too slowly or backup completely. While snaking, rodding and other methods are effective in many situations for quickly clearing the line, they can leave residue that will eventually start the clog process all over again. The safest and most effective way to clear stubborn clogs while also thoroughly cleaning out your pipes throughout your home's plumbing system is to use hydrojetting.

How Does Hydrojetting Work?

Hydrojetting is a technique that plumbers use to scour the inside surface of pipes with high-pressure water. The process involves inserting a hose to the plumbing system's cleanout, an access point to the inside of a pipe. A hose is connected to a specialized pressure washer that controls the amount of water that is injected into the pipe.

A plumber must know the right water pressure to use depending on the condition of the pipes, so before beginning a small video camera is used to assess the condition of the interior of the pipe and determine the extent of the buildup so the pressure can be adjusted accordingly. The pressure required to do the job may be 5,000 psi or more, or as much as 20 gallons per minute.

One of the reasons hydrojetting is so effective is that it employs gravity to scour the pipe from the bottom up. The combination of the natural downstream gravity flow of the waste and the upstream pressurized blast of water scours the pipe wall, dislodging debris and flushing it down the pipe. After the pipe has been hydrojetted, the inside of the pipe is again inspected with a camera to ensure that the process was effective.

Even if your drains seem to be working fine right now, hydrojetting of sewer and drain lines is a good way to inspect and maintain your home's plumbing system to ensure that the small problems don't become major sewer and drain clogs down the road.

Have questions about drain cleaning and hydrojetting? Call the experts at MR Plumbing. We can help solve the toughest sewer and drain problems.

Sump Pumps - The Appliance You Never Think About

Your home's sump pump is one of those appliances you don't think about very often, out of sight... out of mind. However, the reality is your sump pump is one of the hardest working and most critical mechanical devices in your home.

The Chicago area receives well over a foot of rain during a typical spring and summer season. During a severe storm, heavy rains can cause your sump pump to work at peak performance to keep your basement dry. A sump pump can be called upon to remove hundreds of gallons of water per minute.

Testing Your Sump Pump

Don't wait until a heavy rainstorm to learn that your sump pump has stopped working, check it for correct operation a couple of times per year. Simply pour some water into the sump pit until the unit cycles.

The average sump pump has a lifespan of roughly ten years. Switch failure is the most common cause of sump pumps failing to work properly.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

For an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, consider a battery backup sump pump. Because severe storms can frequently cause power outages, a battery powered sump pump will run even when the power goes out, keeping your basement dry for hours until the power is restored.

Chicago's Sump Pump Specialists

M/R Plumbing offers a variety of quality sump pump systems, including: Commander, Zoeller, Aquanot, Hydromatic and Tramco sump pumps. To find out which sump pump is right for your home, call M/R Plumbing. We'll help you choose the right unit and professionally install it to protect your home from expensive water damage.

Extend the Life Of Your Home's Water Heater With Routine Maintenance

Conventional tank-style water heaters are designed to last for many years. However, sediment and rust will accumulate over time and reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the water heater.

To keep your conventional water heater working reliably and lasting longer, follow these regular maintenance steps:

Drain the water heater tank annually to remove sediment and rust buildup. This is particularly important if you have hard water. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Ensure the opposite end of the hose is placed outside, in a sink or near a floor drain. Be careful, as the water can be extremely hot and cause burns. If you are not sure of how to flush your water heater, call M/R Plumbing Mart. We'll advise you on the best way to drain your particular hot water heater.

Inspect the outside of the tank for leaks and rust.

For gas water heaters, check the exhaust flue to make ensure that air is escaping outside by striking a match near to the bell housing. The smoke should exit out the flue.

Check the relief valve by placing a bucket underneath the extension pipe and turning the valve to the open position. Water should flow freely when the valve is opened.

Make sure the thermostat is set to between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend not setting the water temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit if you have have young children.

Always keep a pan under the water heater tank to make it easier to spot leaks.

If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light flame to ensure it is burning blue and steady.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Tankless water heaters offer an energy saving alternative to conventional tank-style water heaters with the water only getting heated when it's needed. Because there is no storage tank to heat, you'll never run out of hot water as long as the unit is been properly sized for your hot water needs.

Like traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters need to be maintained properly to operate at peak efficiency and to realize their cost savings over conventional water heaters. So, spending some time on maintenance yourself — or calling M/R Plumbing for regular maintenance — will ensure that you are taking advantage of all the benefits of your tankless water heater.

1. Check and Clean the Screen FilterPeriodically inspect and clean the filter located on the water inlet side of your tankless water heater. It's best to have a licensed plumber do this job. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, please learn the correct procedure before attempting this task. Never use chemical solutions to clean your water heater, since it will enter your drinking water. Vinegar is a safe, effective cleaner.

2. Flush the SystemTo prevent the a harmful buildup of lime and scale, flush your tankless water heater periodically. M/R Plumbing Mart can help you flush your water heater. As noted above, please be sure to flush it with vinegar and not chemicals that could contaminate your water supply.

A traditional tank-style water heater has a lifespan of around 8-10 years. Depending on how much use it has had over that time and whether it has been properly maintained, it may last significantly longer or need replacement a lot sooner. So how do you know when it's time for a new water heater?

Water Heater Leaks

Some water heater leaks may are the result of a faulty valve or leaking pipe. If this is the case, it may just need a simple repair to keep it operating. If the water heater is leaking because of corrosion, it may be time to replace the unit.

The Water Heater Heating Slowly

First, check that the thermostat on the water heater is set high enough. If demand for hot water has increased in the home, you may just need a larger capacity tank installed, or a tankless water heater. Slow heating can also be caused by a build-up up rust and sediment. Flush the tank to remove the sediment. If the water heater is still not heating fast enough after flushing the unit, it may be time for a new water heater.

Malfunctioning Water Heater

In some cases the water heater may be have broken parts that need replacement. A plumber can check the heating element (electric water heaters) thermostat, gas burner and thermocoupler to make sure they are functioning. Consider the age of the unit against the cost of repairs when deciding whether to repair the unit.

Under Sink Disposal Not Working? Here Are a Few Things to Check

First, for your safety, never place your hand inside the disposal!

It may seem obvious, but first check that the disposal is plugged in. If the disposal is plugged in, check the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal if the button has popped out, push it back in. If these steps do not work, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If the disposal still won't turn on and it is not making a humming sound, then there is an electrical problem with the unit.

Slow Disposal Drain

Slow draining of a garbage disposal can be caused by a number of problems.Assuming you've given the disposal enough time to run and clear the garbage, you probably have a clogged drain line.

We recommend against using chemical drain cleaners in a garbage disposal. You can damage the disposal and aside from being ineffective, most drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can cause severe skin irritation and damage to plastic and metal surfaces.

Preventing Disposal Problems

Avoid grinding coffee grounds, potato peels and eggshells. They stick to any waste in the pipe and are likely to create a clog. You can keep your disposal working by occasionally grinding up pieces of lemon peel and ice cubes.

Many people purchase a conventional tank water heater and simply forget about it until it stops working and it's time to replace it. However, with a few simple water heater maintenance steps you can increase the lifespan of the unit while also making it work more efficiently.

1. Flush the water heater tank annually

Almost all water heater manufacturers will recommend flushing the water heater tank annually. Draining the tank will remove the sediment that has collected at the bottom of the tank which will allow the burner to work more efficiently. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the correct procedure for draining your model of water heater.

2. Check the anode rod and replace it if needed

The anode rod hangs in the tank to help prevent its inside from rusting out. It should be checked annually when the tank is drained. Replacing a badly corroded rod is far cheaper than replacing the water heater.Without a good anode rod, hot water will rapidly corrode the inside of the tank, shortening its life.

3. Insulate the water heater tank

This is a step you only have to do once. Wrapping your water heater in a blanket of insulation can improve it's efficiency up to 40 percent.

Have questions about maintaining your water heater? Call the experts at MR Plumbing, we're here to help.

If you're noticing changes to the water coming out ouf your tap – such as strange colors, tastes or odors – the cause may be your water heater. To find out if the water heater is the cause, note the following:

• Does the problem only occur first thing in the morning?• Does it happen after the water has not been used for a while?• Does the problem clear up after you run the water for a few minutes?• Is the problem isolated to the hot rather than cold running faucet?

If any of the above cases is true, it could be caused by your water heater.

Water Heater Odors

Bad smells, such as a sulphur odors, are sometimes caused by bacteria growing in the water heater tank. When the water heater goes unused for long periods of time bacteria, while usually harmless, can cause unpleasant odors. A sulphur, or rotten egg odor, is sometimes caused by a corroded anode rod inside the water heater. The rod should be inspected and replaced if needed.

Hard water can also cause sediment to accumulate at the bottom of the tank, causing odors. Installing a water softener should fix the problem.

Water Discoloration

Brown, red or yellow tinted water can be caused by rust from a corroded water heater tank, or pipes inside the home. The iron present in most water is not a significant health risk, but it can stain clothing and dishes and leave drinking water with a metallic taste. Your plumber can help track down the cause and determine if the water heater is the source of the problem.

White or tan particles in the water are usually a sign of calcium or magnesium. While not generally harmful to ingest, the minerals can clog pipes and drains over time. A water filtration system or water softener can remove the minerals from the water.

Have concerns about water quality in your home? Give MR Plumbing a call. We can help identify the cause of the problem and recommend effective solutions for cleaner, better tasting water.

At first glance it may not seem like there's much to think about when it comes to choosing a toilet. Pick a nice color that matches and your done, right? Not quite. That's only one of the many choices that need to be made when it comes to choosing a new toilet. Size, height and how it functions should also be part of your decision.

Finding a Toilet That Fits

There are many toilets on the market, but a rough-in distance, measured from the finished wall to the center of the sewer drain for the toilet, will narrow the options. The standard rough-in is 12 inches, and the widest number of toilets are available in this size. If a bathroom remodel makes use of an existing rough-in that is a different size, 14 or 10 inches for example, the options are more limited.

Most folks find elongated toilet seats to be more comfortable, but in a smaller bathroom, a round bowl will save some space, as well as a few dollars in most cases.

Taller toilets are also becoming more popular, which makes a bathroom accessible to all users regardless of mobility, because they make sitting down and standing up easier.

What Style of Toilet?

There are a few toilet designs available. A two-piece toilet, which has the tank bolted to the top of the bowl, is usually a little more affordable. A one-piece toilet, with an single tank and bowl, can cost more, but are easier to clean because they have no seams. Wall-mounted toilets add design flair to a bathroom, and cleaning under them is a breeze. However, these high-end fixtures can be more expensive to install because they require a secure wall to mount the toilet and store the tank, and repair and maintenance could mean opening up the wall.

Flushing Systems

While having a perfect fitting and great looking toilet is important, it won't matter if it doesn't flush right every time.

Prior to 1994, toilets used around 3.5 gallons of water per flush. Then Congress, in an effort to conserve resources, reduced the amount of water new toilets could flush to 1.6 gallons per flush. Unfortunately, the first generation of low-flow toilets couldn't get the job done, and that's a stigma these commodes are still trying to shake more than a decade later. Manufacturers have since introduced low-flow toilets that work very well, using either a gravity or power-assisted flush.

Dual-flush technology features a split plunger-style flush mechanism on top of the tank. Pushing one button releases .08 gallons of water and pushing both doubles the flow to 1.6 gallons. Over the life of the toilet, a four-person family can save thousands of dollars.

How Hard Water Can Cause Problems With Your Home's Plumbing System

Hard water can cause problems for homeowners in both increased energy usage and a shortened lifespan of appliances. The two minerals most commonly found in hard water, calcium and magnesium, make heating water less efficient. It requires more energy to heat mineral heavy water compared to clear, purified water.

Hard water can also cause limescale build-up, drastically restricting the water flow in your pipes. Steel pipes are the most prone to this problem, copper and PVC are not as susceptible to limescale build up. Over time this scale build up can lower water pressure in your home's plumbing, eventually leading to costly damage to pipes and plumbing fixtures. As the flow in pipes becomes more restricted, the limescale buildup will happen at a faster rate.

The areas that you may first notice mineral build up are in areas around shower heads, plugs, faucets and valves. Slowly dripping faucets can cause scale build up on sink surfaces and could damage the rubber washers that are required to keep the mechanism water tight. If this occurs, the washers can sometimes be difficult to replace.

Valves that are found in various appliances, such as ice-makers, washing machines and dishwashers can also end up with scale build-up. If small amounts of limescale build up around the valves, they may not be able to completely close, which can allow water to leak.

Hard Water and Water Heaters

Heating elements in water heaters can also quickly form mineral deposits. When there is limescale between the heating element and the water it will act as a barrier, preventing the water from heating up efficiently and causing the burners to work overtime. Mineral deposits from hard water can also dramatically reduce the lifespan of a water heater by clogging pipes, valves and drains.

Low water pressure can have a wide variety of causes, from simple to complex. Here are some tips to diagnose and cure some common causes of reduced water flow.

Clean Your Faucet and Shower Aerator Screens

Mineral deposits can often cause faucet aerators to become dirty and eventually reduce the flow of water. By regularly dissembling and cleaning aerator screens you can keep the water flowing freely. White vinegar can be used to dissolve the mineral deposits on faucets and shower heads. Simply soak them for several hours.

Change Your Shower Head

You can find inexpensive, high-pressure shower heads at your local home center, and that may be all you need to make your shower flow better. If your current shower head has a low-flow head in place, try swapping it out with a regular shower head to increase water pressure.

Check the Valves In Your Home

If someone in your home has turned off and then turned on a water valve in your home, it may not have been returned to the fully opened position.

Professional Solutions For Low Water PressureOnce you've tried the methods above to increase your home's water pressure with little to no success, we can help with more problematic water pressure conditions.

One solution is a water pressure booster. A water pressure booster is a water pump that works with your home's existing water supply to increase water pressure.

M/R Plumbing can also help find more serious causes of low water pressure problems. If you have just a single pipe that is leaking, it will affect the water pressure in your house significantly (and raise your utility bill). Try turning off the water supply both inside and outside your home, and then check your water meter. Check the water meter once more a few hour later, and then determine if the water usage has increased. If so, you probably have a leak that needs to be found and repaired.

Another option is to increase the size of the main pipe supplying water to your house. See if you can determine what type of water pipes you have in the home and running to your water meter. Pipe size is an important factor in the amount of water pressure you'll get in your home. The larger the pipes, the more the water pressure, so you may want to consider increasing the size of the main pipe servicing the house.

Plumbing emergencies can range from leaking pipes and clogged drains to a faucets that won't shut off and leaking water heaters. It's important that everyone in the household know the location of the shutoff valve for every plumbing fixture and appliance, as well as the home's main shutoff valve.

Water Shutoff Valves

If a specific plumbing fixture or appliance is leaking or malfunctioning, first look for its shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to turn off the water supply just to the affected system.

The shutoff valve is usually located underneath the toilet or sink. Clothes washers will have two shutoff valves, one each for hot and cold water, often located behind the appliance

If the problem is not with a specific fixture or appliance, or you cannot locate the shutoff valve, locate the main shutoff valve to turn off the water to the entire house.The main shutoff valve will be on the inside where the main water supply pipe enters the house. Turn the valve clockwise to shut it off. If the valve is difficult to turn, keep a wrench near the valve for emergencies.

Have a plumbing emergency? Call M/R Plumbing. Our professional plumbers will be there in minutes to help fix the problem.

Spring is a great time to check your home's plumbing systems and perform preventative maintenance to protect your home against plumbing problems.

MR Plumbing offers these tips:

Plumbing Fixtures

Check faucets for drips or leaks and repair parts as needed to save water

Clean mineral deposits from faucets and shower heads. Unscrew them and soak them in vinegar overnight

Cycle water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking

Drains

Ensure that all drains have strainers to prevent debris from clogging your drain lines.

Pour about a gallon of water into infrequently used drains (including floor drains) to fill the trap and prevent odors from entering the house. Slow floor drains should be snaked to ensure they will carry away water quickly in the event of a flood.

Sump Pump

Test your sump pump for proper operation. Pour approximately 5 gallons of water into the basin of your sump pump. Pour slowly until the sump pump turns on and begins to pump out the water. Do not pour in more water than the basin will hold. Expect the sump pump to begin pumping out water when the water level reaches approximately 8 to 12 inches below the surface of the basement floor.

Appliances

Washing Machine Washing machine hoses should be inspected for leaks or bulges. If the hoses are older than 10 years, they should be replaced. Consider using braided stainless steel hoses rather than rubber hoses.

Toilets Check your toilets for cracks or leaks. Add several drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 30 minutes, it has a leak that should be repaired.

If the toilet handle has to be held down in order to flush properly, or jiggled to stop from running, you may need to replace the tank parts.

Water HeatersCheck the temperature setting on the water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.

If you have a tank water heater, drain several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out sediment that can cause corrosion and reduce heating efficiency. Tankless water heaters should be flushed to remove mineral deposits. Always check with your water heater manufacturer for specific instructions regarding maintenance of your specific make and model.

Ensure there are no flammable materials stored near the water heater or furnace.

One way to extend the life of your water heater and ensure that it operates efficiently is to flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup. The process is straightforward, here are the steps:

Shut off the water supply - Locate the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater and turn it to the off position.

Turn off the water heater - If you have a gas water heater, simply turn the thermostat knob to the “pilot” setting. If the water heater is electric, turn off the power at the breaker panel.

Attach a garden hose to the drain valve - located near the bottom of the tank. Place the other end of the hose near a floor drain, in a bucket (have several large buckets to empty into and rotate them if needed) or outside the home.

Open a hot water tap - Open a hot water tap on a floor above that is nearest the water heater. This will relieve pressure in the system, helping the water drain from the tank. CAUTION: Even though a water heater may have been turned off for hours, the water in the tank can still be hot enough to scald.

Open the drain valve - After all the water has drained from the tank, turn the cold water supply at the top of the tank back on for a moment. This will clear out any remaining sediment. Repeat this step until the water runs clear.

When you're finished draining the tank, return it to operating condition by following these steps:

Close the drain valve.

Remove the hose.

Turn on the cold water supply to refill the tank.

Return to the hot water tap you opened earlier. Once cold water begins to flow from the tap, turn it off.

Turn the gas valve back on from the pilot position or turn electricity back on to the tank.

Check the valve opening to ensure it's not leaking.

IMPORTANT: Always read and follow all manufacturer’s directions and warnings for your particular water heater. Some water heater tanks must be completely full to avoid damage to the gas burner or heating elements.

Plumbing problems are not always readily apparent, but they can cost you money in long-term damage to your home if they are not addressed. That little drip below your kitchen sink that goes undetected can lead to mold problems or rot.

We've put together some tips to help you detect some of the plumbing problems that can cause serious damage to your home. By fixing these minor problems you can prevent bigger problems in the future.

Screeching Faucets - If you hear a screeching sound when your faucet is turned it can indicate that the air "bleed-off" system is not working correctly.

Low Water Pressure - Low water can have a number of causes, including clogged pipes, leaks in the plumbing or pipes that are inadequately sized to provide sufficient water pressure.

Rattling Or Pinging - These noises from can indicate that air has become trapped in the pipes.

Hidden Leaks - Enclosed areas of your home like crawl spaces and cabinets under sinks should be inspected for wet spots or mold, which can indicate a leak.

Gurgling Drains - If your drains gurgle, it could be a sign of blockage in the pipe. Once the blockage is removed, the gurgling should stop.

Backed Up Toilets - If your toilet frequently backs up it could be a sign that your septic tank needs to be emptied or that tree roots are obstructing the pipes and are causing blockage.

The water heater should be inspected for any signs of rust or corrosion on the tank or the pipes. If you have a gas-powered water heater, check the gas lines by putting soapy water on them and watching for bubbles, which could indicate a gas leak.

If you notice brown or discolored water coming out of your faucets, you may have an old water heater that needs to be replaced.

When the faucets are turned on, they leak water. This generally indicates that the O-rings or washers need to be replaced. If the faucets drip when not turned on, they may have a mineral build-up or need to be replaced altogether.

A drain that is slow is generally a sign of a blockage in the pipe. You might be able to remedy this by using a commercially available drain cleaning solution to dissolve the blockage, or you can try using a plumber's "snake" tool to break up and dislodge the blockage.

If possible, locate your main water shut-off valve and turn off the water to your home. When the water is turned off, check the meter to see if it is still running. If it is running with the water turned off, this may indicate a leak.

Most of the plumbing emergencies we see are caused by a simple lack of maintenance. By paying attention to the symptoms of potential problems and fixing the small problems immediately, you can keep your plumbing system working reliably. Here are some maintenance procedures to follow at least once a year.

1. Repair drips and leaks. That leaking faucet is more than just an annoyance, it's costing you money over time on your water bill. Replacing worn out washers is easy and inexpensive. If a leak is under a sink or in a wall it can cause mold and damage to your home and should be fixed as soon as possible.

2. Unclog slow drains. Eventually that slow floor drain or kitchen sink is going to stop completely, leading to a major clog that will require professional help to clear.

3. Clean faucet aerators and shower heads. If water pressure has reduced over time the culprit may be mineral deposits that have built up in faucets and shower heads, reducing water flow. Remove faucet aerators and soak them in vinegar to dissolve mineral build up.

4. Schedule a sewer line inspection. One of the most expensive plumbing problems a homeowner can experience is a backed up sewer main. A video sewer line inspection will find potential problems, including breaks, misaligned pipes, and tree root intrusion that can lead to sewer line failure.

5. Flush your water heater tank. Flushing your water heater tank will remove rust and sediment from the bottom of the tank that can reduce heating efficiency and shorten the life of the water heater.Have a tankless water heater? Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the line filter.

6. Fix that flapper. A running toilet can waste a lot of water. Replacing the flapper is inexpensive and simple to do.

What Our Fans Are Saying About Mr. Plumbing!

"M & R were very professional. The bathroom came out great - looks like a bathroom in a brand new house. All work was done on time and the workmen were extreme professional throughout the entire project We would highly recommend M & R Plumbing."

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